9 Things First-Time Homebuyers Don’t Realize They Should Do Sources: www.nerdwallet.com www.bankrate.com www.myfico.com Check your credit by requesting a free credit report, and improve your score if necessary Direct deposit part of your paycheck into savings Look at your income and bills to see if more money is coming in than going out Savings and Credit Line up documents to prove your earnings, savings, and debt obligations Talk to a mortgage pro to review loan options and types of MI available Calculate your down payment using an online tool so you have an idea of how much you can put down Mortgage Application Process Hire a real estate agent despite the cost — the agent looks out for your best interest Include a home inspection in the real estate contract to catch major issues Determine final costs like movers, loan closing fees, tax, and insurance Unexpected Costs new.mi.genworth.com 12927278.0518 ©2018 Genworth Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. Genworth Mortgage Insurance Corporation